艾斯德爾傳
章节 1
1 亞哈隨魯作王，（從印度直到埃塞俄比亞，統管一百二十七省。）
1 Now it came to pass in the days of Ahasuerus, (this is Ahasuerus which reigned, from India even unto Ethiopia, over an hundred and seven and twenty provinces:)
2 在那些日子，亞哈隨魯王在書珊宮坐其國位，
2 That in those days, when the king Ahasuerus sat on the throne of his kingdom, which was in Shushan the palace,
3 在位第三年，為他一切首領臣僕設擺筵席，有波斯和瑪代的權貴，就是各省的貴族與首領，在他面前。
3 In the third year of his reign, he made a feast unto all his princes and his servants; the power of Persia and Media, the nobles and princes of the provinces, being before him:
4 他把他榮耀之國的豐富和他美好威嚴的尊貴給他們看了許多日，就是一百八十日。
4 When he shewed the riches of his glorious kingdom and the honour of his excellent majesty many days, even an hundred and fourscore days.
5 這日子過了，又為所有住書珊宮的大小人民在御園的院子裏設擺筵席七日。
5 And when these days were expired, the king made a feast unto all the people that were present in Shushan the palace, both unto great and small, seven days, in the court of the garden of the king’s palace;
6 有白色、綠色、藍色的帳子，用細麻繩、紫色繩從銀環內繫在白玉石柱上；有金銀的床擺在紅、白、黃、黑玉石鋪的石地上。
6 Where were white, green, and blue, hangings, fastened with cords of fine linen and purple to silver rings and pillars of marble: the beds were of gold and silver, upon a pavement of red, and blue, and white, and black, marble.
7 用金器皿賜酒，器皿各有不同。御酒甚多，足顯王的厚意。
7 And they gave them drink in vessels of gold, (the vessels being diverse one from another,) and royal wine in abundance, according to the state of the king.
8 喝酒有例；不准勉強人。因王派定宮裏的一切臣宰，讓人各隨己意。
8 And the drinking was according to the law; none did compel: for so the king had appointed to all the officers of his house, that they should do according to every man’s pleasure.
9 王后瓦實提在亞哈隨魯王的宮內也為婦女設擺筵席。
9 Also Vashti the queen made a feast for the women in the royal house which belonged to king Ahasuerus.
10 第七天，亞哈隨魯王飲酒，心中快樂，就吩咐在他面前侍立的七個太監米戶幔、比斯他、哈波拿、比革他、亞拔他、西達、甲迦，
10 On the seventh day, when the heart of the king was merry with wine, he commanded Mehuman, Biztha, Harbona, Bigtha, and Abagtha, Zethar, and Carcas, the seven chamberlains that served in the presence of Ahasuerus the king,
11 請王后瓦實提頭戴王后的冠冕到王面前，使各等臣民看她的美貌，因為她容貌甚美。
11 To bring Vashti the queen before the king with the crown royal, to shew the people and the princes her beauty: for she was fair to look on.
12 王后瓦實提卻不肯遵太監所傳的王命而來，所以王甚發怒，心如火燒。
12 But the queen Vashti refused to come at the king’s commandment by his chamberlains: therefore was the king very wroth, and his anger burned in him.
13 那時，王問他們，都是達時務的明哲人說：（按王的常規，辦事必先詢問知例明法的人。
13 Then the king said to the wise men, which knew the times, (for so was the king’s manner toward all that knew law and judgment:
14 在王左右常見王面、國中坐高位的，有波斯和瑪代的七個大臣，就是甲示拿、示達、押瑪他、他施斯、米力、瑪西拿、米母干。）
14 And the next unto him was Carshena, Shethar, Admatha, Tarshish, Meres, Marsena, and Memucan, the seven princes of Persia and Media, which saw the king’s face, and which sat the first in the kingdom;)
15 「王后瓦實提不遵太監所傳的王命，照例應當怎樣辦理呢？」
15 What shall we do unto the queen Vashti according to law, because she hath not performed the commandment of the king Ahasuerus by the chamberlains?
16 米母干在王和眾首領面前回答說：「王后瓦實提這事，不但得罪了王，並且有害於王各省的臣民；
16 And Memucan answered before the king and the princes, Vashti the queen hath not done wrong to the king only, but also to all the princes, and to all the people that are in all the provinces of the king Ahasuerus.
17 因為王后這事必傳到眾婦人的耳中，說：『亞哈隨魯王吩咐王后瓦實提到王面前，她卻不來』，她們就藐視自己的丈夫。
17 For this deed of the queen shall come abroad unto all women, so that they shall despise their husbands in their eyes, when it shall be reported, The king Ahasuerus commanded Vashti the queen to be brought in before him, but she came not.
18 今日波斯和瑪代的眾夫人聽見王后這事，必向王的大臣照樣行；從此必大開藐視和忿怒之端。
18 Likewise shall the ladies of Persia and Media say this day unto all the king’s princes, which have heard of the deed of the queen. Thus shall there arise too much contempt and wrath.
19 王若以為美，就降旨寫在波斯和瑪代人的例中，永不更改，不准瓦實提再到王面前，將她王后的位分賜給比她還好的人。
19 If it please the king, let there go a royal commandment from him, and let it be written among the laws of the Persians and the Medes, that it be not altered, That Vashti come no more before king Ahasuerus; and let the king give her royal estate unto another that is better than she.
20 所降的旨意傳遍通國（國度本來廣大），所有的婦人，無論丈夫貴賤都必尊敬他。」
20 And when the king’s decree which he shall make shall be published throughout all his empire, (for it is great,) all the wives shall give to their husbands honour, both to great and small.
21 王和眾首領都以米母干的話為美，王就照這話去行，
21 And the saying pleased the king and the princes; and the king did according to the word of Memucan:
22 發詔書，用各省的文字、各族的方言通知各省，使為丈夫的在家中作主，各說本地的方言。
22 For he sent letters into all the king’s provinces, into every province according to the writing thereof, and to every people after their language, that every man should bear rule in his own house, and that it should be published according to the language of every people.
章节 2
1 這些事以後，亞哈隨魯王的忿怒止息，就想念瓦實提和她所行的，並怎樣降旨辦她。
1 After these things, when the wrath of king Ahasuerus was appeased, he remembered Vashti, and what she had done, and what was decreed against her.
2 於是王的侍臣對王說：「不如為王尋找美貌年輕的處女。
2 Then said the king’s servants that ministered unto him, Let there be fair young virgins sought for the king:
3 王可以派官在國中的各省招聚美貌年輕的處女到書珊宮的女院，交給掌管女子的大臣希該，給她們當用的香品。
3 And let the king appoint officers in all the provinces of his kingdom, that they may gather together all the fair young virgins unto Shushan the palace, to the house of the women, unto the custody of Hege the king’s chamberlain, keeper of the women; and let their things for purification be given them:
4 王所喜愛的女子可以立為王后，代替瓦實提。」王以這事為美，就如此行。
4 And let the maiden which pleaseth the king be queen instead of Vashti. And the thing pleased the king; and he did so.
5 書珊宮有一個猶太人，名叫末底改，是便雅憫人基士的曾孫，示每的孫子，睚珥的兒子。
5 Now in Shushan the palace there was a certain Jew, whose name was Mordecai, the son of Jair, the son of Shimei, the son of Kish, a Benjamite;
6 從前巴比倫王尼布甲尼撒將猶大王耶哥尼雅和百姓從耶路撒冷擄去，末底改也在其內。
6 Who had been carried away from Jerusalem with the captivity which had been carried away with Jeconiah king of Judah, whom Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon had carried away.
7 末底改撫養他叔叔的女兒哈大沙，後名以斯帖，因為她沒有父母。這女子又容貌俊美；她父母死了，末底改就收她為自己的女兒。
7 And he brought up Hadassah, that is, Esther, his uncle’s daughter: for she had neither father nor mother, and the maid was fair and beautiful; whom Mordecai, when her father and mother were dead, took for his own daughter.
8 王的諭旨傳出，就招聚許多女子到書珊宮，交給掌管女子的希該；以斯帖也送入王宮，交付希該。
8 So it came to pass, when the king’s commandment and his decree was heard, and when many maidens were gathered together unto Shushan the palace, to the custody of Hegai, that Esther was brought also unto the king’s house, to the custody of Hegai, keeper of the women.
9 希該喜悅以斯帖，就恩待她，急忙給她需用的香品和她所當得的分，又派所當得的七個宮女服事她，使她和她的宮女搬入女院上好的房屋。
9 And the maiden pleased him, and she obtained kindness of him; and he speedily gave her her things for purification, with such things as belonged to her, and seven maidens, which were meet to be given her, out of the king’s house: and he preferred her and her maids unto the best place of the house of the women.
10 以斯帖未曾將籍貫宗族告訴人，因為末底改囑咐她不可叫人知道。
10 Esther had not shewed her people nor her kindred: for Mordecai had charged her that she should not shew it.
11 末底改天天在女院前邊行走，要知道以斯帖平安不平安，並後事如何。
11 And Mordecai walked every day before the court of the women’s house, to know how Esther did, and what should become of her.
12 眾女子照例先潔淨身體十二個月，（六個月用沒藥油，六個月用香料和潔身之物；）滿了日期，然後按次序進去見亞哈隨魯王。
12 Now when every maid’s turn was come to go in to king Ahasuerus, after that she had been twelve months, according to the manner of the women, (for so were the days of their purifications accomplished, to wit, six months with oil of myrrh, and six months with sweet odours, and with other things for the purifying of the women;)
13 女子進去見王是這樣，從女院到王宮的時候，凡她所要的都必給她。
13 Then thus came every maiden unto the king; whatsoever she desired was given her to go with her out of the house of the women unto the king’s house.
14 晚上進去，次日回到女子第二院，交給掌管妃嬪的太監沙甲；除非王喜愛她，再提名召她，就不再進去見王。
14 In the evening she went, and on the morrow she returned into the second house of the women, to the custody of Shaashgaz, the king’s chamberlain, which kept the concubines: she came in unto the king no more, except the king delighted in her, and that she were called by name.
15 末底改叔叔亞比孩的女兒，就是末底改收為自己女兒的以斯帖，按次序當進去見王的時候，除了掌管女子的太監希該所派定給她的，她別無所求。凡看見以斯帖的都喜悅她。
15 Now when the turn of Esther, the daughter of Abihail the uncle of Mordecai, who had taken her for his daughter, was come to go in unto the king, she required nothing but what Hegai the king’s chamberlain, the keeper of the women, appointed. And Esther obtained favour in the sight of all them that looked upon her.
16 亞哈隨魯王第七年十月，就是提別月，以斯帖被引入宮見王。
16 So Esther was taken unto king Ahasuerus into his house royal in the tenth month, which is the month Tebeth, in the seventh year of his reign.
17 王愛以斯帖過於愛眾女，她在王眼前蒙寵愛比眾處女更甚。王就把王后的冠冕戴在她頭上，立她為王后，代替瓦實提。
17 And the king loved Esther above all the women, and she obtained grace and favour in his sight more than all the virgins; so that he set the royal crown upon her head, and made her queen instead of Vashti.
18 王因以斯帖的緣故給眾首領和臣僕設擺大筵席，又豁免各省的租稅，並照王的厚意大頒賞賜。
18 Then the king made a great feast unto all his princes and his servants, even Esther’s feast; and he made a release to the provinces, and gave gifts, according to the state of the king.
19 第二次招聚處女的時候，末底改坐在朝門。
19 And when the virgins were gathered together the second time, then Mordecai sat in the king’s gate.
20 以斯帖照著末底改所囑咐的，還沒有將籍貫宗族告訴人；因為以斯帖遵末底改的命，如撫養她的時候一樣。
20 Esther had not yet shewed her kindred nor her people; as Mordecai had charged her: for Esther did the commandment of Mordecai, like as when she was brought up with him.
21 當那些日子，末底改坐在朝門，王的太監中有兩個守門的，辟探和提列，惱恨亞哈隨魯王，想要下手害他。
21 In those days, while Mordecai sat in the king’s gate, two of the king’s chamberlains, Bigthan and Teresh, of those which kept the door, were wroth, and sought to lay hands on the king Ahasuerus.
22 末底改知道了，就告訴王后以斯帖。以斯帖奉末底改的名，報告於王；
22 And the thing was known to Mordecai, who told it unto Esther the queen; and Esther certified the king thereof in Mordecai’s name.
23 究察這事，果然是實，就把二人掛在木頭上，將這事在王面前寫於歷史上。
23 And when inquisition was made of the matter, it was found out; therefore they were both hanged on a tree: and it was written in the book of the chronicles before the king.
章节 3
1 這些事以後，亞哈隨魯王抬舉亞甲族哈米大他的兒子哈曼，使他高升，叫他的爵位超過與他同事的一切臣宰。
1 After these things did king Ahasuerus promote Haman the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, and advanced him, and set his seat above all the princes that were with him.
2 在朝門的一切臣僕都跪拜哈曼，因為王如此吩咐；唯獨末底改不跪不拜。
2 And all the king’s servants, that were in the king’s gate, bowed, and reverenced Haman: for the king had so commanded concerning him. But Mordecai bowed not, nor did him reverence.
3 在朝門的臣僕問末底改說：「你為何違背王的命令呢？」
3 Then the king’s servants, which were in the king’s gate, said unto Mordecai, Why transgressest thou the king’s commandment?
4 他們天天勸他，他還是不聽，他們就告訴哈曼，要看末底改的事站得住站不住，因他已經告訴他們自己是猶太人。
4 Now it came to pass, when they spake daily unto him, and he hearkened not unto them, that they told Haman, to see whether Mordecai’s matters would stand: for he had told them that he was a Jew.
5 哈曼見末底改不跪不拜，他就怒氣填胸。
5 And when Haman saw that Mordecai bowed not, nor did him reverence, then was Haman full of wrath.
6 他們已將末底改的本族告訴哈曼；他以為下手害末底改一人是小事，就要滅絕亞哈隨魯王通國所有的猶太人，就是末底改的本族。
6 And he thought scorn to lay hands on Mordecai alone; for they had shewed him the people of Mordecai: wherefore Haman sought to destroy all the Jews that were throughout the whole kingdom of Ahasuerus, even the people of Mordecai.
7 亞哈隨魯王十二年正月，就是尼散月，人在哈曼面前，按日日月月擲普珥，就是擲籤，要定何月何日為吉，擇定了十二月，就是亞達月。
7 In the first month, that is, the month Nisan, in the twelfth year of king Ahasuerus, they cast Pur, that is, the lot, before Haman from day to day, and from month to month, to the twelfth month, that is, the month Adar.
8 哈曼對亞哈隨魯王說：「有一種民散居在王國各省的民中；他們的律例與眾民的律例不同，也不守王的律例，所以容留他們與王無益。
8 And Haman said unto king Ahasuerus, There is a certain people scattered abroad and dispersed among the people in all the provinces of thy kingdom; and their laws are diverse from all people; neither keep they the king’s laws: therefore it is not for the king’s profit to suffer them.
9 王若以為美，請下旨意滅絕他們；我就捐一萬他連得銀子交給掌管國帑的人，納入王的府庫。」
9 If it please the king, let it be written that they may be destroyed: and I will pay ten thousand talents of silver to the hands of those that have the charge of the business, to bring it into the king’s treasuries.
10 於是王從自己手上摘下戒指給猶太人的仇敵─亞甲族哈米大他的兒子哈曼。
10 And the king took his ring from his hand, and gave it unto Haman the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, the Jews’ enemy.
11 王對哈曼說：「這銀子仍賜給你，這民也交給你，你可以隨意待他們。」
11 And the king said unto Haman, The silver is given to thee, the people also, to do with them as it seemeth good to thee.
12 正月十三日，就召了王的書記來，照著哈曼一切所吩咐的，用各省的文字、各族的方言，奉亞哈隨魯王的名寫旨意，傳與總督和各省的省長，並各族的首領；又用王的戒指蓋印，
12 Then were the king’s scribes called on the thirteenth day of the first month, and there was written according to all that Haman had commanded unto the king’s lieutenants, and to the governors that were over every province, and to the rulers of every people of every province according to the writing thereof, and to every people after their language; in the name of king Ahasuerus was it written, and sealed with the king’s ring.
13 交給驛卒傳到王的各省，要將猶太人，無論老少婦女孩子，在一日之間，十二月，就是亞達月十三日，全然毀滅，殺戮滅絕，並奪他們的財為掠物。
13 And the letters were sent by posts into all the king’s provinces, to destroy, to kill, and to cause to perish, all Jews, both young and old, little children and women, in one day, even upon the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month Adar, and to take the spoil of them for a prey.
14 抄錄這旨意，頒行各省，宣告各族，使他們預備等候那日。
14 The copy of the writing for a commandment to be given in every province was published unto all people, that they should be ready against that day.
15 驛卒奉王命急忙起行，旨意也傳遍書珊宮。王同哈曼坐下飲酒，書珊城卻都慌亂。
15 The posts went out, being hastened by the king’s commandment, and the decree was given in Shushan the palace. And the king and Haman sat down to drink; but the city Shushan was perplexed.
章节 4
1 末底改知道所作的這一切事，就撕裂衣服，穿麻衣，蒙灰塵，在城中行走，痛哭哀號。
1 When Mordecai perceived all that was done, Mordecai rent his clothes, and put on sackcloth with ashes, and went out into the midst of the city, and cried with a loud and a bitter cry;
2 到了朝門前停住腳步，因為穿麻衣的不可進朝門。
2 And came even before the king’s gate: for none might enter into the king’s gate clothed with sackcloth.
3 王的諭旨所到的各省各處，猶太人大大悲哀，禁食哭泣哀號，穿麻衣躺在灰中的甚多。
3 And in every province, whithersoever the king’s commandment and his decree came, there was great mourning among the Jews, and fasting, and weeping, and wailing; and many lay in sackcloth and ashes.
4 王后以斯帖的宮女和太監來把這事告訴以斯帖，她甚是憂愁，就送衣服給末底改穿，要他脫下麻衣，他卻不受。
4 So Esther’s maids and her chamberlains came and told it her. Then was the queen exceedingly grieved; and she sent raiment to clothe Mordecai, and to take away his sackcloth from him: but he received it not.
5 以斯帖就把王所派伺候她的一個太監，名叫哈他革召來，吩咐他去見末底改，要知道這是甚麼事，是甚麼緣故。
5 Then called Esther for Hatach, one of the king’s chamberlains, whom he had appointed to attend upon her, and gave him a commandment to Mordecai, to know what it was, and why it was.
6 於是哈他革出到朝門前的街道見末底改。
6 So Hatach went forth to Mordecai unto the street of the city, which was before the king’s gate.
7 末底改將自己所遇的事，並哈曼為滅絕猶太人應許捐入王庫的錢都告訴了他；
7 And Mordecai told him of all that had happened unto him, and of the sum of the money that Haman had promised to pay to the king’s treasuries for the Jews, to destroy them.
8 又將所抄寫傳遍書珊城要滅絕猶太人的旨意交給哈他革，要給以斯帖看，又要給她說明，並囑咐她進去見王，為本族的人在王面前懇切祈求。
8 Also he gave him the copy of the writing of the decree that was given at Shushan to destroy them, to shew it unto Esther, and to declare it unto her, and to charge her that she should go in unto the king, to make supplication unto him, and to make request before him for her people.
9 哈他革回來，將末底改的話告訴以斯帖；
9 And Hatach came and told Esther the words of Mordecai.
10 以斯帖又吩咐哈他革去見末底改，說：
10 Again Esther spake unto Hatach, and gave him commandment unto Mordecai;
11 「王的一切臣僕和各省的人民都知道有一個定例：若不蒙召，擅入內院見王的，無論男女必被治死；除非王向他伸出金權杖，纔得存活。現在我沒有蒙召進去見王已經三十日了。」
11 All the king’s servants, and the people of the king’s provinces, do know, that whosoever, whether man or women, shall come unto the king into the inner court, who is not called, there is one law of his to put him to death, except such to whom the king shall hold out the golden sceptre, that he may live: but I have not been called to come in unto the king these thirty days.
12 人就把以斯帖這話告訴末底改。
12 And they told to Mordecai Esther’s words.
13 末底改吩咐人回覆以斯帖說：「你莫想在王宮裏強過一切猶太人，得免這禍。
13 Then Mordecai commanded to answer Esther, Think not with thyself that thou shalt escape in the king’s house, more than all the Jews.
14 此時你若閉口不言，猶太人必從別處得解脫，蒙拯救；你和你父家必致滅亡。焉知你到這國來，不是為現今的機會嗎？」
14 For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father’s house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?
15 以斯帖就吩咐人回報末底改，這樣說：
15 Then Esther bade them return Mordecai this answer,
16 「你當去招聚書珊城所有的猶太人，為我禁食三晝三夜，不吃不喝；我和我的宮女也要這樣禁食。然後我違例進去見王，我若死就死吧。」
16 Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish.
17 於是末底改照以斯帖一切所吩咐的去行。
17 So Mordecai went his way, and did according to all that Esther had commanded him.
章节 5
1 第三天，以斯帖穿上朝服，進王宮的內院，對殿站立。王在殿裏坐在寶座上，對著殿門。
1 Now it came to pass on the third day, that Esther put on her royal apparel, and stood in the inner court of the king’s house, over against the king’s house: and the king sat upon his royal throne in the royal house, over against the gate of the house.
2 王見王后以斯帖站在院內，就施恩於她；王向她伸出手中的金權杖。以斯帖便近前，摸了杖頭。
2 And it was so, when the king saw Esther the queen standing in the court, that she obtained favour in his sight: and the king held out to Esther the golden sceptre that was in his hand. So Esther drew near, and touched the top of the sceptre.
3 王對她說：「王后以斯帖啊，你要甚麼？你求甚麼，就是國的一半也必賜給你。」
3 Then said the king unto her, What wilt thou, queen Esther? and what is thy request? it shall be even given thee to the half of the kingdom.
4 以斯帖說：「王若以為美，就請王帶著哈曼今日赴我所預備的筵席。」
4 And Esther answered, If it seem good unto the king, let the king and Haman come this day unto the banquet that I have prepared for him.
5 王說：「叫哈曼速速照以斯帖的話去行」。於是王帶著哈曼赴以斯帖所預備的筵席。
5 Then the king said, Cause Haman to make haste, that he may do as Esther hath said. So the king and Haman came to the banquet that Esther had prepared.
6 在酒席筵前，王又問以斯帖說：「你要甚麼，我必賜給你；你求甚麼，就是國的一半也必為你成就。」
6 And the king said unto Esther at the banquet of wine, What is thy petition? and it shall be granted thee: and what is thy request? even to the half of the kingdom it shall be performed.
7 以斯帖回答說：「我有所要，我有所求。
7 Then answered Esther, and said, My petition and my request is;
8 我若在王眼前蒙恩，王若願意賜我所要的，准我所求的，就請王帶著哈曼再赴我所要預備的筵席。明日我必照王所問的說明。」
8 If I have found favour in the sight of the king, and if it please the king to grant my petition, and to perform my request, let the king and Haman come to the banquet that I shall prepare for them, and I will do to morrow as the king hath said.
9 那日哈曼心中快樂，歡歡喜喜地出來；但見末底改在朝門不站起來，連身也不動，就滿心惱怒末底改。
9 Then went Haman forth that day joyful and with a glad heart: but when Haman saw Mordecai in the king’s gate, that he stood not up, nor moved for him, he was full of indignation against Mordecai.
10 哈曼暫且忍耐回家，叫人請他朋友和他妻子細利斯來。
10 Nevertheless Haman refrained himself: and when he came home, he sent and called for his friends, and Zeresh his wife.
11 哈曼將他富厚的榮耀、眾多的兒女，和王抬舉他使他超乎首領臣僕之上，都述說給他們聽。
11 And Haman told them of the glory of his riches, and the multitude of his children, and all the things wherein the king had promoted him, and how he had advanced him above the princes and servants of the king.
12 哈曼又說：「王后以斯帖預備筵席，除了我之外不許別人隨王赴席。明日王后又請我隨王赴席；
12 Haman said moreover, Yea, Esther the queen did let no man come in with the king unto the banquet that she had prepared but myself; and to morrow am I invited unto her also with the king.
13 只是我見猶太人末底改坐在朝門，雖有這一切榮耀，也與我無益。」
13 Yet all this availeth me nothing, so long as I see Mordecai the Jew sitting at the king’s gate.
14 他的妻細利斯和他一切的朋友對他說：「不如立一個五十肘高的木架，明日求王將末底改掛在其上，然後你可以歡歡喜喜地隨王赴席。」哈曼以這話為美，就叫人作了木架。
14 Then said Zeresh his wife and all his friends unto him, Let a gallows be made of fifty cubits high, and to morrow speak thou unto the king that Mordecai may be hanged thereon: then go thou in merrily with the king unto the banquet. And the thing pleased Haman; and he caused the gallows to be made.
章节 6
1 那夜王睡不著覺，就吩咐人取歷史來，念給他聽。
1 On that night could not the king sleep, and he commanded to bring the book of records of the chronicles; and they were read before the king.
2 正遇見書上寫著說：王的太監中有兩個守門的，辟探和提列，想要下手害亞哈隨魯王，末底改將這事告訴王后。
2 And it was found written, that Mordecai had told of Bigthana and Teresh, two of the king’s chamberlains, the keepers of the door, who sought to lay hand on the king Ahasuerus.
3 王說：「末底改行了這事，賜了他甚麼尊榮爵位沒有？」伺候王的臣僕回答說：「沒有賜他甚麼。」
3 And the king said, What honour and dignity hath been done to Mordecai for this? Then said the king’s servants that ministered unto him, There is nothing done for him.
4 王說：「誰在院子裏？」那時哈曼正進王宮的外院，要求王將末底改掛在他所預備的木架上。
4 And the king said, Who is in the court? Now Haman was come into the outward court of the king’s house, to speak unto the king to hang Mordecai on the gallows that he had prepared for him.
5 臣僕說：「請看，哈曼站在院內。」王說：「叫他進來。」
5 And the king’s servants said unto him, Behold, Haman standeth in the court. And the king said, Let him come in.
6 哈曼就進去。王問他說：「王所喜悅尊榮的人，當如何待他呢？」哈曼心裏說：「王所喜悅尊榮的，不是我是誰呢？」
6 So Haman came in. And the king said unto him, What shall be done unto the man whom the king delighteth to honour? Now Haman thought in his heart, To whom would the king delight to do honour more than to myself?
7 哈曼就回答說：「王所喜悅尊榮的，
7 And Haman answered the king, For the man whom the king delighteth to honour,
8 當將王常穿的朝服和戴冠的御馬，
8 Let the royal apparel be brought which the king useth to wear, and the horse that the king rideth upon, and the crown royal which is set upon his head:
9 都交給王極尊貴的一個大臣，命他將這衣服給王所喜悅尊榮的人穿上，扶他騎上馬，走遍城裏的街道，在他面前宣告說：王所喜悅尊榮的人，就如此待他。」
9 And let this apparel and horse be delivered to the hand of one of the king’s most noble princes, that they may array the man withal whom the king delighteth to honour, and bring him on horseback through the street of the city, and proclaim before him, Thus shall it be done to the man whom the king delighteth to honour.
10 王對哈曼說：「你速速將這衣服和馬，照你所說的，向坐在朝門的猶太人末底改去行。凡你所說的，一樣不可缺。」
10 Then the king said to Haman, Make haste, and take the apparel and the horse, as thou hast said, and do even so to Mordecai the Jew, that sitteth at the king’s gate: let nothing fail of all that thou hast spoken.
11 於是哈曼將朝服給末底改穿上，使他騎上馬，走遍城裏的街道，在他面前宣告說：「王所喜悅尊榮的人，就如此待他。」
11 Then took Haman the apparel and the horse, and arrayed Mordecai, and brought him on horseback through the street of the city, and proclaimed before him, Thus shall it be done unto the man whom the king delighteth to honour.
12 末底改仍回到朝門，哈曼卻憂憂悶悶地蒙著頭，急忙回家去了，
12 And Mordecai came again to the king’s gate. But Haman hasted to his house mourning, and having his head covered.
13 將所遇的一切事詳細說給他的妻細利斯和他的眾朋友聽。他的智慧人和他的妻細利斯對他說：「你在末底改面前始而敗落，他如果是猶太人，你必不能勝他，終必在他面前敗落。」
13 And Haman told Zeresh his wife and all his friends every thing that had befallen him. Then said his wise men and Zeresh his wife unto him, If Mordecai be of the seed of the Jews, before whom thou hast begun to fall, thou shalt not prevail against him, but shalt surely fall before him.
14 他們還與哈曼說話的時候，王的太監來催哈曼快去赴以斯帖所預備的筵席。
14 And while they were yet talking with him, came the king’s chamberlains, and hasted to bring Haman unto the banquet that Esther had prepared.
章节 7
1 王帶著哈曼來赴王后以斯帖的筵席。
1 So the king and Haman came to banquet with Esther the queen.
2 到第二天在酒席筵前，王又問以斯帖說：「王后以斯帖啊，你要甚麼，我必賜給你；你求甚麼，就是國的一半也必為你成就。」
2 And the king said again unto Esther on the second day at the banquet of wine, What is thy petition, queen Esther? and it shall be granted thee: and what is thy request? and it shall be performed, even to the half of the kingdom.
3 王后以斯帖回答說：「王啊，我若在王眼前蒙恩，王若以為美，我所願的，是願王將我的性命賜給我；我所求的，是求王將我的本族賜給我。
3 Then Esther the queen answered and said, If I have found favour in thy sight, O king, and if it please the king, let my life be given me at my petition, and my people at my request:
4 因我和我的本族被賣了，要除滅殺戮滅絕我們。我們若被賣為奴為婢，我也閉口不言，但王的損失，敵人萬不能補足。」
4 For we are sold, I and my people, to be destroyed, to be slain, and to perish. But if we had been sold for bondmen and bondwomen, I had held my tongue, although the enemy could not countervail the king’s damage.
5 亞哈隨魯王問王后以斯帖說：「擅敢起意如此行的是誰？這人在哪裏呢？」
5 Then the king Ahasuerus answered and said unto Esther the queen, Who is he, and where is he, that durst presume in his heart to do so?
6 以斯帖說：「仇人敵人就是這惡人哈曼。」哈曼在王和王后面前就甚驚惶。
6 And Esther said, The adversary and enemy is this wicked Haman. Then Haman was afraid before the king and the queen.
7 王便大怒，起來離開酒席往御園去了。哈曼見王定意要加罪與他，就起來，求王后以斯帖救命。
7 And the king arising from the banquet of wine in his wrath went into the palace garden: and Haman stood up to make request for his life to Esther the queen; for he saw that there was evil determined against him by the king.
8 王從御園回到酒席之處，見哈曼伏在以斯帖所靠的床上；王說：「他竟敢在宮內、在我面前凌辱王后嗎？」這話一出王口，人就蒙了哈曼的臉。
8 Then the king returned out of the palace garden into the place of the banquet of wine; and Haman was fallen upon the bed whereon Esther was. Then said the king, Will he force the queen also before me in the house? As the word went out of king’s mouth, they covered Haman’s face.
9 伺候王的一個太監名叫哈波拿，說：「請看，哈曼也為那救王有功的末底改作了五十肘高的木架，現今立在哈曼家裏。」王說：「把哈曼掛在其上。」
9 And Harbonah, one of the chamberlains, said before the king, Behold also, the gallows fifty cubits high, which Haman had made for Mordecai, who spoken good for the king, standeth in the house of Haman. Then the king said, Hang him thereon.
10 於是人將哈曼掛在他為末底改所預備的木架上。王的忿怒這才止息。
10 So they hanged Haman on the gallows that he had prepared for Mordecai. Then was the king’s wrath pacified.
章节 8
1 當日，亞哈隨魯王把猶太人仇敵哈曼的家產賜給王后以斯帖。末底改也來到王面前，因為以斯帖已經告訴王，末底改是她的親屬。
1 On that day did the king Ahasuerus give the house of Haman the Jews’ enemy unto Esther the queen. And Mordecai came before the king; for Esther had told what he was unto her.
2 王摘下自己的戒指，就是從哈曼追回的，給了末底改。以斯帖派末底改管理哈曼的家產。
2 And the king took off his ring, which he had taken from Haman, and gave it unto Mordecai. And Esther set Mordecai over the house of Haman.
3 以斯帖又俯伏在王腳前，流淚哀告，求他除掉亞甲族哈曼害猶太人的惡謀。
3 And Esther spake yet again before the king, and fell down at his feet, and besought him with tears to put away the mischief of Haman the Agagite, and his device that he had devised against the Jews.
4 王向以斯帖伸出金權杖。以斯帖就起來，站在王前，
4 Then the king held out the golden sceptre toward Esther. So Esther arose, and stood before the king,
5 說：「亞甲族哈米大他的兒子哈曼設謀傳旨，要殺滅在王各省的猶太人。現今王若願意，我若在王眼前蒙恩，王若以為有理，若喜悅我，請王另下旨意，廢除哈曼所傳的那旨意。
5 And said, If it please the king, and if I have favour in his sight, and the thing seem right before the king, and I be pleasing in his eyes, let it be written to reverse the letters devised by Haman the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, which he wrote to destroy the Jews which are in all the king’s provinces:
6 我何忍見我本族的人受害？何忍見我同宗的人被滅呢？」
6 For how can I endure to see the evil that shall come unto my people? or how can I endure to see the destruction of my kindred?
7 亞哈隨魯王對王后以斯帖和猶太人末底改說：「看哪。因哈曼要下手害猶太人，我已將他的家產賜給以斯帖，人也將哈曼掛在木架上。
7 Then the king Ahasuerus said unto Esther the queen and to Mordecai the Jew, Behold, I have given Esther the house of Haman, and him they have hanged upon the gallows, because he laid his hand upon the Jews.
8 現在你們可以隨意奉王的名寫諭旨給猶太人，用王的戒指蓋印；因為奉王名所寫、用王戒指蓋印的諭旨，人都不能廢除。」
8 Write ye also for the Jews, as it liketh you, in the king’s name, and seal it with the king’s ring: for the writing which is written in the king’s name, and sealed with the king’s ring, may no man reverse.
9 三月，就是西彎月二十三日，將王的書記召來，按著末底改所吩咐的，用各省的文字、各族的方言，並猶太人的文字方言寫諭旨，傳給那從印度直到埃塞俄比亞一百二十七省的猶太人和總督省長首領。
9 Then were the king’s scribes called at that time in the third month, that is, the month Sivan, on the three and twentieth day thereof; and it was written according to all that Mordecai commanded unto the Jews, and to the lieutenants, and the deputies and rulers of the provinces which are from India unto Ethiopia, an hundred twenty and seven provinces, unto every province according to the writing thereof, and unto every people after their language, and to the Jews according to their writing, and according to their language.
10 末底改奉亞哈隨魯王的名寫諭旨，用王的戒指蓋印，交給騎馬的、騎騾的、騎駱駝並少壯獨峰駝的驛卒，傳到各處。
10 And he wrote in the king Ahasuerus’ name, and sealed it with the king’s ring, and sent letters by posts on horseback, and riders on mules, camels, and young dromedaries:
11 諭旨中，王准各省各城的猶太人聚集保護性命，全然毀滅殺戮滅絕那要攻擊猶太人的一切勢力和他們的妻子兒女，奪取他們的財為掠物。
11 Wherein the king granted the Jews which were in every city to gather themselves together, and to stand for their life, to destroy, to slay and to cause to perish, all the power of the people and province that would assault them, both little ones and women, and to take the spoil of them for a prey,
12 就是一日於哈隨魯王的各省之間，十二月，就是亞達月十三日。
12 Upon one day in all the provinces of king Ahasuerus, namely, upon the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month Adar.
13 抄錄這諭旨，頒行各省，宣告各族，使猶太人預備等候那日，在仇敵身上報仇。
13 The copy of the writing for a commandment to be given in every province was published unto all people, and that the Jews should be ready against that day to avenge themselves on their enemies.
14 於是騎騾和駱駝的驛卒被王命催促，急忙起行；諭旨也傳遍書珊宮。
14 So the posts that rode upon mules and camels went out, being hastened and pressed on by the king’s commandment. And the decree was given at Shushan the palace.
15 末底改穿著藍色白色的朝服，頭戴大金冠冕，又穿紫色細麻布的衣服，從王面前出來；書珊城的人民都歡喜快樂。
15 And Mordecai went out from the presence of the king in royal apparel of blue and white, and with a great crown of gold, and with a garment of fine linen and purple: and the city of Shushan rejoiced and was glad.
16 猶太人有光榮，歡喜快樂而得尊貴。
16 The Jews had light, and gladness, and joy, and honour.
17 王的諭旨所到的各省各城，猶太人都歡喜快樂，設擺筵宴，以那日為吉日。那國的人民，有許多因懼怕猶太人，就入了猶太籍。
17 And in every province, and in every city, whithersoever the king’s commandment and his decree came, the Jews had joy and gladness, a feast and a good day. And many of the people of the land became Jews; for the fear of the Jews fell upon them.
章节 9
1 十二月，乃亞達月十三日，王的諭旨將要舉行，就是猶太人的仇敵盼望轄制他們的日子，（猶太人反倒轄制恨他們的人；）
1 Now in the twelfth month, that is, the month Adar, on the thirteenth day of the same, when the king’s commandment and his decree drew near to be put in execution, in the day that the enemies of the Jews hoped to have power over them, (though it was turned to the contrary, that the Jews had rule over them that hated them;)
2 猶太人在亞哈隨魯王各省的城裏聚集，下手擊殺那要害他們的人。無人能敵擋他們，因為各族都懼怕他們。
2 The Jews gathered themselves together in their cities throughout all the provinces of the king Ahasuerus, to lay hand on such as sought their hurt: and no man could withstand them; for the fear of them fell upon all people.
3 各省的首領、總督、省長，和辦理王事的人，因懼怕末底改，就都幫助猶太人。
3 And all the rulers of the provinces, and the lieutenants, and the deputies, and officers of the king, helped the Jews; because the fear of Mordecai fell upon them.
4 末底改在朝中為大，名聲傳遍各省，日漸昌盛。
4 For Mordecai was great in the king’s house, and his fame went out throughout all the provinces: for this man Mordecai waxed greater and greater.
5 猶太人用刀擊殺一切仇敵，任意殺滅恨他們的人。
5 Thus the Jews smote all their enemies with the stroke of the sword, and slaughter, and destruction, and did what they would unto those that hated them.
6 在書珊宮，猶太人殺滅了五百人；
6 And in Shushan the palace the Jews slew and destroyed five hundred men.
7 又殺巴珊大他、達分、亞斯帕他、
7 And Parshandatha, and Dalphon, and Aspatha,
8 破拉他、亞大利雅、亞利大他、
8 And Poratha, and Adalia, and Aridatha,
9 帕瑪斯他、亞利賽、亞利代、瓦耶撒他；
9 And Parmashta, and Arisai, and Aridai, and Vajezatha,
10 這十人都是哈米大他的孫子、猶太人仇敵哈曼的兒子。猶太人卻沒有下手奪取財物。
10 The ten sons of Haman the son of Hammedatha, the enemy of the Jews, slew they; but on the spoil laid they not their hand.
11 當日，將書珊宮被殺的人數呈在王前。
11 On that day the number of those that were slain in Shushan the palace was brought before the king.
12 王對王后以斯帖說：「猶太人在書珊宮殺滅了五百人，又殺了哈曼的十個兒子，在王的各省不知如何呢？現在你要甚麼，我必賜給你；你還求甚麼，也必為你成就。」
12 And the king said unto Esther the queen, The Jews have slain and destroyed five hundred men in Shushan the palace, and the ten sons of Haman; what have they done in the rest of the king’s provinces? now what is thy petition? and it shall be granted thee: or what is thy request further? and it shall be done.
13 以斯帖說：「王若以為美，求你准書珊的猶太人，明日也照今日的旨意行，並將哈曼十個兒子的屍首掛在木架上。」
13 Then said Esther, If it please the king, let it be granted to the Jews which are in Shushan to do to morrow also according unto this day’s decree, and let Haman’s ten sons be hanged upon the gallows.
14 王便允准如此行。旨意傳在書珊，人就把哈曼十個兒子的屍首掛起來了。
14 And the king commanded it so to be done: and the decree was given at Shushan; and they hanged Haman’s ten sons.
15 亞達月十四日書珊的猶太人又聚集在書珊，殺了三百人，卻沒有下手奪取財物。
15 For the Jews that were in Shushan gathered themselves together on the fourteenth day also of the month Adar, and slew three hundred men at Shushan; but on the prey they laid not their hand.
16 在王各省其餘的猶太人也都聚集保護性命，殺了恨他們的人七萬五千，卻沒有下手奪取財物。這樣，就脫離仇敵，得享平安。
16 But the other Jews that were in the king’s provinces gathered themselves together, and stood for their lives, and had rest from their enemies, and slew of their foes seventy and five thousand, but they laid not their hands on the prey,
17 亞達月十三日，行了這事；十四日安息，以這日為設筵歡樂的日子。
17 On the thirteenth day of the month Adar; and on the fourteenth day of the same rested they, and made it a day of feasting and gladness.
18 但書珊的猶太人，這十三日、十四日聚集；十五日安息，以這日為設筵歡樂的日子。
18 But the Jews that were at Shushan assembled together on the thirteenth day thereof, and on the fourteenth thereof; and on the fifteenth day of the same they rested, and made it a day of feasting and gladness.
19 所以住無城牆鄉村的猶太人，如今都以亞達月十四日為設筵歡樂的吉日，彼此餽送禮物。
19 Therefore the Jews of the villages, that dwelt in the unwalled towns, made the fourteenth day of the month Adar a day of gladness and feasting, and a good day, and of sending portions one to another.
20 末底改記錄這些事，寫信與亞哈隨魯王各省遠近所有的猶太人，
20 And Mordecai wrote these things, and sent letters unto all the Jews that were in all the provinces of the king Ahasuerus, both nigh and far,
21 囑咐他們每年守亞達月十四、十五兩日，
21 To stablish this among them, that they should keep the fourteenth day of the month Adar, and the fifteenth day of the same, yearly,
22 以這月的兩日為猶太人脫離仇敵得平安、轉憂為喜、轉悲為樂的吉日。在這兩日設筵歡樂，彼此餽送禮物，賙濟窮人。
22 As the days wherein the Jews rested from their enemies, and the month which was turned unto them from sorrow to joy, and from mourning into a good day: that they should make them days of feasting and joy, and of sending portions one to another, and gifts to the poor.
23 於是，猶太人按著末底改所寫與他們的信，應承照初次所守的守為永例；
23 And the Jews undertook to do as they had begun, and as Mordecai had written unto them;
24 是因猶太人的仇敵亞甲族哈米大他的兒子哈曼設謀殺害猶太人，擲普珥，就是擲籤，為要除滅殺害他們；
24 Because Haman the son of Hammedatha, the Agagite, the enemy of all the Jews, had devised against the Jews to destroy them, and had cast Pur, that is, the lot, to consume them, and to destroy them;
25 這事報告於王，王便降旨使哈曼謀害猶太人的惡事歸到他自己的頭上，並吩咐把他和他的眾子都掛在木架上。
25 But when Esther came before the king, he commanded by letters that his wicked device, which he devised against the Jews, should return upon his own head, and that he and his sons should be hanged on the gallows.
26 照著普珥的名字，猶太人就稱這兩日為「普珥日」。他們因這信上的話，又因所看見所遇見的事，
26 Wherefore they called these days Purim after the name of Pur. Therefore for all the words of this letter, and of that which they had seen concerning this matter, and which had come unto them,
27 就應承自己與後裔，並歸附他們的人，按他們所寫的、每年按時必守這兩日，永遠不廢。
27 The Jews ordained, and took upon them, and upon their seed, and upon all such as joined themselves unto them, so as it should not fail, that they would keep these two days according to their writing, and according to their appointed time every year;
28 各省各城、家家戶戶、世世代代紀念遵守這兩日，使這「普珥日」在猶太人中不可廢掉，在他們後裔中也不可忘記。
28 And that these days should be remembered and kept throughout every generation, every family, every province, and every city; and that these days of Purim should not fail from among the Jews, nor the memorial of them perish from their seed.
29 亞比孩的女兒─王后以斯帖和猶太人末底改以全權寫第二封信，堅囑猶太人守這「普珥日」，
29 Then Esther the queen, the daughter of Abihail, and Mordecai the Jew, wrote with all authority, to confirm this second letter of Purim.
30 用和平誠實話寫信給亞哈隨魯王國中一百二十七省所有的猶太人，
30 And he sent the letters unto all the Jews, to the hundred twenty and seven provinces of the kingdom of Ahasuerus, with words of peace and truth,
31 勸他們按時守這「普珥日」，禁食呼求，是照猶太人末底改和王后以斯帖所囑咐的，也照猶太人為自己與後裔所應承的。
31 To confirm these days of Purim in their times appointed, according as Mordecai the Jew and Esther the queen had enjoined them, and as they had decreed for themselves and for their seed, the matters of the fastings and their cry.
32 以斯帖命定守「普珥日」，這事也記錄在書上。
32 And the decree of Esther confirmed these matters of Purim; and it was written in the book.
章节 10
1 薛西斯王向陆地及各海岛的居民征税。
1 And the king Ahasuerus laid a tribute upon the land, and upon the isles of the sea.
2 他所行伟大英勇的事蹟，以及显耀摩尔德开的详细经过，都记载在玛待和波斯君王的年鉴上。
2 And all the acts of his power and of his might, and the declaration of the greatness of Mordecai, whereunto the king advanced him, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Media and Persia?
3 犹太人摩尔德开，位仅次于薛西斯王，受犹太人的敬重，受他全体同胞的爱戴；他也努力为他的民族谋幸福，关心他的整个种族的安全。
3 For Mordecai the Jew was next unto king Ahasuerus, and great among the Jews, and accepted of the multitude of his brethren, seeking the wealth of his people, and speaking peace to all his seed.
4 摩尔德开说：「这一切都是天主一手完成的：
4 Then Mardochai said: God hath done these things.
5 对这一切，我还记得我作的梦，果然都一一应验了：
5 I remember a dream that I saw, which signified these same things: and nothing thereof hath failed.
6 那变成大河的小泉，其上照耀着像太阳的曙光，和凶涌的水，──艾斯德尔就是这大河，君王娶了她，立为王后；
6 The little fountain which grew into a river, and was turned into a light, and into the sun, and abounded into many waters, is Esther, whom the king married, and made queen.
7 那两条巨龙，便是我和哈曼；
7 But the two dragons are I and Aman.
8 万民就是那些团结起来，要铲除犹太人名号的群众；
8 The nations that were assembled are they that endeavoured to destroy the name of the Jews.
9 我的民族，就是以色列，他们向天主哀号，而获得了救援；上主救了他的百姓，上主使我们脱离了这一切祸患，天主在万民中做了空前未有的奇蹟和伟业。
9 And my nation is Israel, who cried to the Lord, and the Lord saved his people: and he delivered us from all evils, and hath wrought great signs and wonders among the nations:
10 因此，天主制定了两签：一签为天主的百姓，一签为其他的民族。
10 And he commanded that there should be two lots, one of the people of God, and the other of all the nations.
11 这两签在天主为万民所指定的时日，出现在天主前；
11 And both lots came to the day appointed already from that time before God to all nations:
12 天主想起了他的民族，保护了他的家业。
12 And the Lord remembered his people, and had mercy on his inheritance.
13 「阿达尔」月的十四十五两天，为他们将成为以色列民族中，世世代代，永远在天主台前欢聚喜乐的庆辰。仆托肋米与克娄帕特辣执政第四年，自称为司祭兼肋未人的多息太，与他的儿子仆托肋米带来了上述「普陵节」的纪录，他们肯定这纪录是真实可信的，并且说是耶路撒冷居民中的仆托肋米的儿子里息玛苛翻译的。
13 And these days shall be observed in the month of Adar on the fourteenth, and fifteenth day of the same month. with all diligence, and joy of the people gathered into one assembly, throughout all the generations hereafter of the people of Israel.
章节 11
1 仆托肋米和克娄帕特辣执政的第四年，自称是司祭和肋未人的多息太，与他的儿子仆托肋米把上述“普陵节”的记录带到埃及。他们肯定这记录是真实的，是由耶路撒冷居民仆托肋米的儿子里息玛苛翻译的。
1 In the fourth year of the reign of Ptolemy and Cleopatra, Dositheus, who said he was a priest, and of the Levitical race, and Ptolemy his son brought this epistle of Phurim, which they said Lysimachus the son of Ptolemy had interpreted in Jerusalem.
2 薛西斯大王统治的第二年尼散月初一，本雅明支派的克士的曾孙、史米的孙子、雅依尔的儿子摩尔德开做了一个梦。
2 In the second year of the reign of Artaxerxes the great, in the first day of the month Nisan, Mardochai the son of Jair, the son of Semei, the son of Cis, of the tribe of Benjamin:
3 摩尔德开是个犹太人，住在稣撒，在王宫中掌大权。
3 A Jew who dwelt in the city of Susan, a great man and among the first of the king’s court, had it dream.
4 巴比伦王拿步高把犹大王耶苛尼雅从耶路撒冷掳走时，摩尔德开是俘虏之一。
4 Now he was of the number of the captives, whom Nabuchodonosor king of Babylon had carried away from Jerusalem with Jechonias king of Juda:
5 在他的梦中，大地充满哭喊喧嚣，雷鸣地震，混乱一片。
5 And this was his dream: Behold there were voices, and tumults, and thunders, and earthquakes, and a disturbance upon the earth.
6 两条巨龙出现，准备厮杀。
6 And behold two great dragons came forth ready to fight one against another.
7 在它们可怕的吼声中，所有国家都起来攻打神圣的民族。
7 And at their cry all nations were stirred up to fight against the nation of the just.
8 那是地上一个黑暗、阴郁的日子，忧伤、绝望、悲痛恐慌到处可见。
8 And that was a day of darkness and danger, of tribulation and distress, and great fear upon the earth.
9 所有正义的民族因害怕灾难而受折磨，等待死亡。
9 And the nation of the just was troubled fearing their own evils, and was prepared for death.
10 他们向天主呼求，于是一小股泉水出现了，继而汇成一条奔腾的大河。
10 And they cried to God: and as they were crying, a little fountain grew into a very great river, and abounded into many waters.
11 太阳升起，光明到来，谦卑者受举扬，强权者被吞没。
11 The light and the sun rose up, and the humble were exalted, and they devoured the glorious.
12 在这个梦中，摩尔德开看见了天主的计划。醒来后，他深思梦境，整天都在揣摩其中的含义。
12 And when Mardochai had seen this, and arose out of his bed, he was thinking what God would do: and he kept it fixed in his mind, desirous to know what the dream should signify.
章节 12
1 那时，摩尔德开正和国王的两个守门太监彼革堂和特勒士同住在王宫中，
1 And he abode at that time in the king’s court with Bagatha and Thara the king’s eunuchs, who were porters of the palace.
2 他觉察到他俩焦虑不安，正密谋杀害国王薛西斯。
2 And when he understood their designs, and had diligently searched into their projects, he learned that they went about to lay violent hands on king Artaxerxes, and he told the king thereof.
3 摩尔德开查知此事，禀告了国王。国王审问这两个太监，他们认了罪，被处死刑。
3 Then the king had them both examined, and after they had confessed, commanded them to be put to death.
4 遵照国王的吩咐，摩尔德开记录了这事件，他受到奖赏，升作朝廷官员。
4 But the king made a record of what was done: and Mardochai also committed the memory of the thing to writing.
5 他受到奖赏，升作朝廷官员。
5 And the king commanded him, to abide in the court of the palace, and gave him presents for the information.
6 为了替国王的这两个太监报仇，在国王面前得宠的阿加格人哈默大达的儿子哈曼，寻机加害摩尔德开和他的民族。
6 But Aman the son of Amadathi the Bugite was in great honour with the king, and sought to hurt Mardochai and his people, because of the two eunuchs of the king who were put to death.
章节 13
1 谕文如下:薛西斯大王命令印度至厄提约丕雅的一百二十七省省长及其下属官员:
1 And this was the copy of the letter: Artaxerxes the great king who reigneth from India to Ethiopia, to the princes and governors of the hundred and twenty-seven provinces, that are subject to his empire, greeting.
2 作为万邦万民的统率，朕未尝妄用职权，而常以公正仁慈统治天下，志在达成国泰民安的理想，使朕的臣民免遭痛苦，恢复人民渴望的和平。
2 Whereas I reigned over many nations, and had brought all the world under my dominion, I was not willing to abuse the greatness of my power, but to govern my subjects with clemency and lenity, that they might live quietly without any terror. and might enjoy peace, which is desired by all men.
3 朕询问智者和忠实的大臣即首相哈曼：如何使朕这一愿望得以实现？
3 But when I asked my counsellors how this might be accomplished, one that excelled the rest in wisdom and fidelity, and was second after the king, Aman by name,
4 首相回说，在朕领土内，有一心存恶念的民族，其法律使其与其他各民族皆相违，其百姓一直无视国王的谕令，有碍帝国统一大计。
4 Told me that there was a people scattered through the whole world, which used new laws, and acted against the customs of all nations, despised the commandments of kings, and violated by their opposition the concord of all nations.
5 考虑到这个民族长期与众百姓相异，法律体系古怪，风俗习惯特殊，对我帝国心存敌意，企图加以破坏，
5 Wherefore having learned this, and seeing one nation in opposition to all mankind using perverse laws, and going against our commandments, and disturbing the peace and concord of the provinces subject to us,
6 朕因此颁诏：凡哈曼即帝国首相、万众亚父文中所提之民族，无论男女老幼，一律刀斩，毫不留情，时间定于今年“阿达尔”月，即十二月二十四日。
6 We have commanded that all whom Aman shall mark out, who is chief over all the provinces, and second after the king, and whom we honour as a father, shall be utterly destroyed by their enemies, with their wives and children, and that none shall have pity on them. on the fourteenth day of the twelfth month Adar of this present year:
7 仅在一日之内，这些恶民将会随他们时存的恶念下到阴府去。我们便会得到彻底的和平与稳定。
7 That these wicked men going down to hell in one day, may restore to our empire the peace which they had disturbed.
8 摩尔德开回忆上主所做的一切，祈祷说：
8 But Mardochai besought the Lord, remembering all his works,
9 “上主，万事万物的君王主宰，所有一切均在你权威之下，没人能违抗你拯救以色列的意愿。
9 And said: O Lord, Lord, almighty king, for all things are in thy power, and there is none that can resist thy will, if thou determine to save Israel.
10 你创造了天地万物。
10 Thou hast made heaven and earth, and all things that are under the cope of heaven.
11 你是一切之上主，没人能违抗你，上主。
11 Thou art Lord of all, and there is none that can resist thy majesty.
12 哦，上主，你洞悉一切；你知道我拒绝向骄横的哈曼跪拜，并非因为傲慢自负、妄自尊大。
12 Thou knowest all things, and thou knowest that it was not out of pride and contempt, or any desire of glory, that I refused to worship the proud Aman,
13 如果那样做可以保全以色列，我宁愿亲吻他的双脚。
13 (For I would willingly and readily for the salvation of Israel have kissed even the steps of his feet,)
14 我那样做，是不愿置人之光荣于天主光荣之上。除了你，哦，上主，我不愿向任何人跪拜。我的强硬并非出于傲慢。
14 But I feared lest I should transfer the honour of my God to a man, and lest I should adore any one except my God.
15 现在，上主天主，万物君王，亚伯郎的天主，拯救你的子民吧！我们的仇敌决意消灭我们；他们一心要摧毁自始以来就属于你的产业。
15 And now, O Lord, O king, O God of Abraham, have mercy on thy people, because our enemies resolve to destroy us, and extinguish thy inheritance.
16 请不要放弃你为自己从埃及解救出来的产业吧。
16 Despise not thy portion, which thou hast redeemed for thyself out of Egypt.
17 请垂听我的哀求，怜悯你的产业。变我们的痛苦为欢乐，让我们能活下去，歌颂你的名，哦，上主。请不要使那些赞美你的唇舌丧亡。
17 Hear my supplication, and be merciful to thy lot and inheritance, and turn our mourning into joy, that we may live and praise thy name, Lord, and shut not the mouths of them that sing to thee.
18 以色列竭力呼求，因为他们面临死亡。
18 And all Israel with like mind and supplication cried to the Lord, because they saw certain death hanging over their heads.
章节 14
1 王后艾斯德尔也被死亡的恐惧所笼罩，于是向上主求助。
1 Queen Esther also, fearing the danger that was at hand, had recourse to the Lord.
2 她脱下华贵的长袍，穿上苦衣，在头上洒灰土，代替贵重的香油。她克己待身，摘下所有金银装饰，头发凌乱披散。
2 And when she had laid away her royal apparel, she put on garments suitable for weeping and mourning: instead of divers precious ointments, she covered her head with ashes and dung, and she humbled her body with fasts: and all the places in which before she was accustomed to rejoice, she filled with her torn hair.
3 她向上主，以色列的天主祈祷道: “我的上主，我们的君王，唯一的天主，来救援我吧！我孤苦无依，除了你，没人能给我帮助。
3 And she prayed to the Lord the God of Israel, saying: O my Lord, who alone art our king, help me a desolate woman, and who have no other helper but thee.
4 因为我为自己选择了一条舍身之路。
4 My danger is in my hands.
5 我自幼就从父家百姓中熟知：你，哦，上主！你由各民族中挑选了以色列；又由各民族的祖先中选了我们的祖先，作你永远的产业。凡你所预许的，都给了他们。
5 I have heard of my father that thou, O Lord, didst take Israel from among all nations, and our fathers from all their predecessors, to possess them as an everlasting inheritance, and thou hast done to them as thou hast promised.
6 然而我们犯了罪，你把我们送到敌人手中。
6 We have sinned in thy sight, and therefore thou hast delivered us into the hands of our enemies:
7 因为我们曾敬拜他们的偶像，而你这么做，是公义的。
7 For we have worshipped their gods. Thou art just, O Lord.
8 他们仍不满足于我们受奴役之苦，还与他们的偶像订约：
8 And now they are not content to oppress us with most hard bondage, but attributing the strength of their hands to the power of their idols,
9 要废除你的旨令，消灭你的产业，关闭颂扬你的口舌，摧毁你圣所与祭坛的荣耀，
9 They design to change thy promises, and destroy thy inheritance, and shut the mouths of them that praise thee, and extinguish the glory of thy temple and altar,
10 代之以异教徒的颂扬－颂扬毫无价值的偶像，颂扬一个血肉之躯的国王。
10 That they may open the mouths of Gentiles, and praise the strength of idols, and magnify for ever a carnal king.
11 请不要移交你的权杖于虚无之人，哦，上主。永远不要让他们幸灾乐祸于我们的丧亡，而让他们苦果自尝，作为我们最大死敌的鉴戒！
11 Give not, O Lord, thy sceptre to them that are not, lest they laugh at our ruin: but turn their counsel upon themselves, and destroy him that hath begun to rage against us.
12 请记着我们，上主。在我们身处水深火热中时，求你显现。赐我勇气吧，众神之王，众王之主！
12 Remember, O Lord, and shew thyself to us in the time of our tribulation, and give me boldness, O Lord, king of gods, and of all power:
13 当我面对猛狮时，请让我的言词婉转动人，使他转而仇恨我们的敌人，那么后者与他的追随者必将灭亡。
13 Give me a well ordered speech in my mouth in the presence of the lion, and turn his heart to the hatred of our enemy, that both he himself may perish, and the rest that consent to him.
14 以你的大能拯救我们吧！垂顾我这个孤苦无依的人。哦，上主，除了你，我没有任何人可求。
14 But deliver us by thy hand, and help me, who have no other helper, but thee, O Lord, who hast the knowledge of all things.
15 你洞悉一切:你知道我是多么憎恨因美貌而得的荣耀，又是多么厌恶未受割礼者及外乡人的床榻。
15 And thou knowest that I hate the glory of the wicked, and abhor the bed of the uncircumcised, and of every stranger.
16 你知道我在这里非己所愿，我讨厌在公众面前所戴的这顶后冠，我视其为污物，私下从不顶戴。
16 Thou knowest my necessity, that I abominate the sign of my pride and glory, which is upon my head in the days of my public appearance, and detest it as a menstruous rag, and wear it not in the days of my silence,
17 你的婢女从未与哈曼同桌进餐，也从未享乐于王宫豪宴或饮用他们祭神的酒。
17 And that I have not eaten at Aman’s table, nor hath the king’s banquet pleased me, and that I have not drunk the wine of the drink offerings:
18 你的婢女自她被召进宫之日直至今天，从未有过欢乐。她只以你为乐，上主，亚伯郎的天主。
18 And that thy handmaid hath never rejoiced, since I was brought hither unto this day, but in thee, O Lord, the God of Abraham.
19 哦，天主，你超越一切，求你倾听绝望者的呻吟，救我们出恶人之手，不要让我陷于恐惧！”
19 O God, who art mighty above all, hear the voice of them, that have no other hope, and deliver us from the hand of the wicked, and deliver me from my fear.
章节 15
1 他急催艾斯德尔面见国王，恳求国王对她民族的宽免对艾斯德尔说：“想一想你从前孤苦伶仃时，是如何在我的抚育下长大的。
1 And he commanded her (no doubt but he was Mardochai) to go to the king, and petition for her people, and for her country.
2 而现在，一人之下，万人之上的哈曼要对我们下毒手。
2 Remember, (said he,) the days of thy low estate, how thou wast brought up by my hand, because Aman the second after the king hath spoken against us unto death.
3 “向天主祈求吧，为了我们向国王请求，使我们免于死亡。”
3 And do thou call upon the Lord, and speak to the king for us, and deliver us from death.
4 一连祈祷三天之后，艾斯德尔脱下苦衣，重新穿上盛装。
4 And on the third day she laid away the garments she wore, and put on her glorious apparel.
5 呼求了洞悉万物的天主救主之后，她光彩夺目地携带两个侍女出发了。
5 And glittering in royal robes, after she had called upon God the ruler and Saviour of all, she took two maids with her,
6 一个搀扶她，
6 And upon one of them she leaned, as if for delicateness and overmuch tenderness she were not able to bear up her own body.
7 另一个则轻提她拖地的长裙。
7 And the other maid followed her lady, bearing up her train flowing on the ground.
8 虽然内心恐惧异常，但她举止轻盈，容颜娇美，顾盼生姿。
8 But she with a rosy colour in her face, and with gracious and bright eyes, hid a mind full of anguish, and exceeding great fear.
9 穿越了几道宫门，她迎面看见国王威坐在王位上，金银珠宝的王袍令他更显威严。
9 So going in she passed through all the doors in order, and stood before the king, where he sat upon his royal throne, clothed with his royal robes, and glittering with gold, and precious stones, and he was terrible to behold.
10 他一抬头，龙颜大怒，王后当即昏厥，脸色苍白地倒在身旁的侍女身上。
10 And when he had lifted up his countenance, and with burning eyes had shewn the wrath of his heart, the queen sunk down, and her colour turned pale, and she rested her weary head upon her handmaid.
11 天主却使国王的怒气转为和善。他赶忙走下王位，把艾斯德尔抱在怀里，直到她苏醒过来，又轻声细语地安慰她：
11 And God changed the king’s spirit into mildness, and all in haste and in fear he leaped from his throne, and holding her up in his arms, till she came to herself, caressed her with these words:
12 “你有什么事吗？艾斯德尔？我是你的哥哥。不用担心。
12 What is the matter, Esther? I am thy brother, fear not.
13 你不会死，因为我的谕令只是针对普通百姓的。
13 Thou shalt not die: for this law is not made for thee, but for all others.
14 好了，跟我说吧。”
14 Come near then, and touch the sceptre.
15 他举起金权杖，碰了一下她的脖颈，然后抱住她说：“告诉我吧。”
15 And as she held her peace, he took the golden sceptre, and laid it upon her neck, and kissed her, and said: Why dost thou not speak to me?
16 艾斯德尔回答说：“我的主人，我看见你时，你就如同天主的使者一般，令我惊吓颤抖。
16 She answered: I saw thee, my lord, as an angel of God, and my heart was troubled for fear of thy majesty.
17 因为你无比尊严，我主，即使你满怀仁慈，你仍使人生畏。”
17 For thou, my lord, art very admirable, and thy. face is full of graces.
18 话未说完，她再一次晕倒。
18 And while she was speaking, she fell down again, and was almost in a swoon.
19 国王非常忧伤，他的臣仆都试着使她恢复知觉。
19 But the king was troubled, and all his servants comforted her.
章节 16
1 谕令如下：“薛西斯大王问候从印度到厄提约丕雅的一百二十七省省长、官员及所有忠于王室的臣民！
1 The great king Artaxerxes, from India to Ethiopia, to the governors and princes of a hundred and twenty- seven provinces, which obey our command, sendeth greeting.
2 有这么一些人，他们越是受到恩主的慷慨赐予，就越是骄横拔扈，
2 Many have abused unto pride the goodness of princes, and the honour that hath been bestowed upon them:
3 贪慕权势却毫无责任感，他们寻机伤害臣民，甚至阴谋陷害恩主。
3 And not only endeavour to oppress the king’s subjects, but not bearing the glory that is given them, take in hand to practise also against them that gave it.
4 他们已丧尽天良，伙同毫无良知之徒自吹自擂，以为可以逃脱全知者天主的审判。
4 Neither are they content not to re- turn thanks for benefits received, and to violate in themselves the laws of humanity, but they think they can also escape the justice of God who seeth all things.
5 这些人身居高位，受执政于公务局的朋友之煽动，共谋屠戮无辜者，造就惨痛之悲剧。
5 And they break out into so great madness, as to endeavour to undermine by lies such as observe diligently the offices committed to them, and do all things in such manner as to be worthy of all men’s praise,
6 以致于忠直官员也被此等腐败之辈引入歧途。
6 While with crafty fraud they deceive the ears of princes that are well meaning, and judge of others by their own nature.
7 先前已被记录的这些恶行，如今由卑鄙的官员再度重犯。
7 Now this is proved both from ancient histories, and by the things which are done daily, how the good designs of kings are depraved by the evil suggestions of certain men.
8 为使朕领土在今后的岁月中和平安宁，
8 Wherefore we must provide for the peace of all provinces.
9 朕现已决定以正义裁判一切呈于朕前的案件，履行新政策。
9 Neither must you think, if we command different things, that it cometh of the levity of our mind, but that we give sentence according to the quality and necessity of times, as the profit of the commonwealth requireth.
10 如今正有一案：马其顿人哈曼，哈默大达之子，本非波斯血统，不值朕的厚待，但仍受到礼遇。
10 Now that you may more plainly understand what we say, I Aman the son of Amadathi, a Macedonian both in mind and country, and having nothing of the Persian blood, but with his cruelty staining our goodness, was received being a stranger by us:
11 他得享朕对各民族的宽仁，甚至被尊称为“亚父”，位居万人之上，一人之下，接受众人跪拜。
11 And found our humanity so great towards him, that he was called our father, and was worshipped by all as the next man after the king:
12 然而他妄自尊大，利欲熏心，竟窥视王国领土与国王之位。
12 But he was so far puffed up with arrogancy, as to go about to deprive us of our kingdom and life.
13 他企图谋害朕之救命恩人、忠实的摩尔德开和朕之无辜的伴侣艾斯德尔，以及他们的民族。
13 For with certain new and unheard of devices he hath sought the destruction of Mardochai, by whose fidelity and good services our life was saved, and of Esther the partner of our kingdom, with all their nation:
14 他图谋通过这一途径，使朕之百姓毫无还手之力，被迫将波斯帝国交予马其顿人手中。
14 Thinking that after they were slain, he might work treason against us left alone without friends, and might transfer the kingdom of the Persians to the Macedonians.
15 朕发现，此败类欲消灭的犹太人并非作恶多端之徒，而是特别守法的公民。
15 But we have found that the Jews, who were by that most wicked man appointed to be slain, are in no fault at all, but contrariwise, use just laws,
16 他们实是至高永生天主的子民，正是这位天主使朕及祖先之王国繁荣昌盛。
16 And are the children of the highest and the greatest, and the ever living God, by whose benefit the kingdom was given both to our fathers and to us, and is kept unto this day.
17 因此，你们要摒弃哈默大达之子哈曼所颁布的文书，
17 Wherefore know ye that those letters which he sent in our name, are void and of no effect.
18 因为此人及其家眷已被吊死在稣撒城门口。这正是统治一切的天主给他们应得的报应。
18 For which crime both he himself that devised it, and all his kindred hang on gibbets, before the gates of this city Susan: not we, but God repaying him as he deserved.
19 张贴此文书于各公共场所，让犹太人按他们的律法自由行事。
19 But this edict, which we now send, shall be published in all cities, that the Jews may freely follow their own laws.
20 “阿达尔”月，即十二月十三日那天，如有人攻击犹太人，你们应给犹太人帮助。
20 And you shall aid them that they may kill those who had prepared themselves to kill them, on the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is called Adar.
21 因为统治一切的天主已将这本是毁灭的一天转变为他选的喜日。
21 For the almighty God hath turned this day of sadness and mourning into joy to them.
22 你们要把此值得纪念的日子列于已定的节庆中，并欢快地庆祝。
22 Wherefore you shall also count this day among other festival days, and celebrate it with all joy, that it may be known also in times to come,
23 这对于现在和将来，对于我们和波斯帝国将是一个获拯救的纪念日，而对于密谋陷害我们的人，则是一个毁灭的纪念日。
23 That all they who faithfully obey the Persians, receive a worthy reward for their fidelity : but they that are traitors to their kingdom, are destroyed for their wickedness.
24 凡不遵守此谕令的城市和地区，皆将被刀剑烈火摧毁，无一例外。那地方不但会人迹罕至，连鸟兽也不愿前往。”
24 And let every province and city, that will not be partaker of this solemnity, perish by the sword and by fire, and be destroyed in such manner as to be made unpassable, both to men and beasts, for an example of contempt, and disobedience.